Mass Crimes and Cultural Erasure: A Study of the 1918 Neftchala Genocide and Its Consequences in Historical and Social Contexts1

Throughout history, major powers have skillfully employed the "Armenian card" and the "Armenian factor" against the Azerbaijani people, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and the Republic of Azerbaijan.Historical evidence, sources, and documents confirm that the settlement of Armenians in the South Caucasus, including the historical territories of Azerbaijan, was initiated in accordance with Russia's strategic plan from the early 19th century.The ideology of "Armenianism," which propagated claims such as establishing a "Greater Armenia from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea," primarily promoted by the Dashnaksutyun Party, aimed at the destruction of Turkish and Muslim peoples.To realize this goal, Armenians engaged in mass killings, massacres, terrorist acts, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other violent actions.In 1918, with the active support of Armenians and their international allies, genocides were committed in various locations-including Baku, Quba, Shamakhi, Eastern Anatolia, Nakhchivan, Zangazur, Yerevan, Salyan, Neftchala, Lankaran, Goychay, as well as in regions of Southern Azerbaijan such as Khoy, Salmas, and Urmia.This article investigates the genocide perpetrated in Neftchala in 1918 by Armenian Dashnaks and their supporters.Methodology This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods.Primary sources include historical documents, eyewitness accounts, official reports, and archival materials.Secondary sources involve scholarly articles, books, and reports from international organizations.Comparative analysis is employed to identify common patterns, causes, and consequences of different genocides.Additionally, statistical data, where available, are analyzed to quantify the scale and impact of genocidal acts.Ethical considerations, including sensitivity to victims and their descendants, are strictly observed throughout the research process. Definition of Genocide:According to the UN Genocide Convention, genocide includes any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group: Killing members of the group Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group 1 Talibli, S. A.